LA Cafe, School Budgets and More: Jan. 2012 Month in Review

January often brings with it a new way of looking at things. A second chance, a new start.

As the calendar changes, we all look ahead to what we hope to accomplish. We begin planning and circling dates. And that's no different here.

Mexican restaurant in New Lenox caught fire and was destroyed late in January, but owner Marc Angel vowed he would rebuild. This was an unplanned change and unwanted situation, but it's forced him into a new beginning.

Meanwhile, governing bodies are figuring out how to move forward this year with continued uncertainties in the budgets. Chicago has passed water rate hikes onto the suburbs, and the state hasn't paid local school districts their promised amount.

With that in mind, as we look ahead to the rest of 2012, let's first look back on some of the top stories of our first month in this new year.

'We Will Rebuild'

Popular Mexican restaurant and is now closed. Readers reacted on Facebook and on the site and mourned the loss of the eatery, though the good thing was that the one person inside made it out safely.

'We Can't Cut Fast Enough'

The Lincoln-Way High School District is considering millions of dollars in possible budget cuts or fee increases, and while speaking to hundreds of community members Saturday morning, District 210 .

Fussing Over Busing

The District 122 school board r, a move that could appease some parents upset with last year's changes. All six options, including keeping things the same, would cost more money.

'The Best Delivery of Services'

Because of stagnant enrollment in New Lenox classes, and use Cherry Hill as an early childhood center.

15 Gets You 20

A trucker from downstate was sentenced in January to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges that .

'The Suburbs Shouldn't Foot the Bill'

New Lenox residents will be joining a number of suburban communities as a result of footing nearly half the cost of Chicago's infrastructure improvements.

Congressional Musical Chairs

After a GOP lawsuit was dismissed in December over the newly drawn Illinois congressional maps, in the March primary election. New Lenox will be divided between two districts because of the new maps, losing current Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Manteno), who is now running in the 16th district.

'It's a Great Deal'

The Village Commons is the after the village and Park District essentially swapped land. The deal keeps the village from having to pay for land and the Park District gets new office space.

Doctor, Doctor, You are the News

A new medical services building celebrated its opening at the Silver Cross replacement hospital in New Lenox. The NexCore Group's building who will bring many services to the area.

'Put Every Drug Dealer on Notice'

A New Lenox man who is a was sentenced to 26 years in prison on drug charges. Ruben Gutierrez pleaded guilty in June 2011 to possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with intent to deliver.

Bonus: A couple more good stories from the past month, incuding a profile of Safe Communities leader Dan Martin, residents' picks for best local pizza and a question over whether high school teams should (or can) run up the score.

Girls Basketball: LW-East Holds Central to Single Digits, Stays Undefeated